[-empyre-] the man as a prototype - the limits of open source

[Gabriel Menotti]

>society' but also the implications for our ways of thinking about the
'prototype' as
>that which ties the old debate between 'synthetic' and 'natural' (Sonia
Matos)

In that sense, one could also say that prototyping also ties creationism and
evolutionism as complimentary ideas of /genesis/ – the feedback cycles of
correction leading to a qualitative leap (‘creation’) and emergence of the
final object?


>It is in this process of constant re-design that knowledge shifts,
encounters new
>subaltern meanings. (SM)

Precisely. But shouldn’t we go as far as to say that that’s the only place
where subaltern meanings can become manifest – after all, if they prevail
over prototyping and become standards, how can they still be considered
subaltern? I think I echo Davin’s concern:


>As a thought experiment, I think there is much value to thinking
>about our everyday practices as "prototyping." On the other hand,
>I think we do lose something if we embrace this metaphor with
>too much enthusiasm. (Davin Heckman)

I think the idea of prototype is particularly fruitful because of the
special place prototyping occupy in the technical topology of the industrial
age, and how it is ressignified by the present paradigm shift in modes of
production and material culture. But I also wonder if it will remain
meaningful as we get into different cycles (of marketing, of manufacturing).

Best!
Menotti
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